The Bear Levin Studer Family YMCA turns five this week. As the first new kid on the block of the former News Journal property, the Y has helped transform the area, expanding downtown and driving foot traffic to the businesses that have sprung up since its construction.
Since opening, the Y team has welcomed more than 1.9 million member visits, taught 5,814 swim lessons, led 24,864 group exercise classes, and opened its doors to dozens of organizations such as Arc Gateway, Family Dinners Church, Special Olympics, Partners in Play, and Gulf Power linemen – all in pursuit of its mission to strengthen community. The Y is now debt free, thanks to the many local donors who supported the project.